Back in 1990, the Alfa Romeo SE 048SP was created to take over the Group C racing category from the Lancia LC2, after regulations were revamped. Although only a single functioning model was manufactured, this vehicle exhibited some remarkable attributes such as the utilization of the powerful 3.5 V10 engine found in the Alfa Romeo 164 Procar.
Fiat, the parent company of Alfa Romeo, opted to shift its attention towards Alfa Romeo for Group C racing. This decision was made as Lancia had already turned its focus towards WRC with the Delta Integrale and Ferrari had invested heavily in Formula 1. Although the project remained a secret, it was later disclosed that SE048SP utilized a V10 engine that was initially created for Ligier F1 team. This naturally aspirated engine had an impressive output of 620 hp at 13,300 RPM, making it a force to be reckoned with in the racing world.
Even though it was thought that the SE 048SP was constructed in 1990, there was no official confirmation of its build date. The car was eventually showcased at the Alfa Romeo Museo Storico and was equipped with a 3.5-liter Ferrari V12 engine that boasted an impressive 680 horsepower at 12,750 RPM. This change may have been necessary because the V10 engine used during testing on the “Abarth SE047,” which was a re-engineered Lancia LC2 used for the SE 048SP project, was found to be too delicate.
In the end, the SE 048SP’s budget was used for the Alfa Romeo 155 Touring Car initiative, leading to several national championship wins such as the DTM in 1993 and BTCC in 1994.
